Australia

Athletics in AustraliaAustralia has produced some exceptional athletes over the years, however their overall medals total at major championships is arguably lower than it could have been for a sports-mad country that has invested a huge amount into athletics development.

Other sports including cricket, Australian Rules Football, Rugby League and Rugby Union have traditionally held a higher profile in Australia, which has potentially held back the country's successes in athletics.

Magical MomentOne of the most memorable and significant moments in Australian athletics occurred at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. An entire nation was thoroughly expecting one single athlete to be the star of the Games and this generated enormous pressure on her to perform.

Cathy Freeman was at the peak of her athletics career at the age of 27 and was a strong favourite to secure 400m gold in front of 110,000 adoring fans. She duly obliged with a winning time of 49.13 to send Australia into raptures - it was an inspirational victory that was warmly received across the globe. Cathy ended up with a 48.63 PB that places her 6th in the all-time 400m lists.

Current StarsSally Pearson enjoyed a great year in 2011 that saw her win the World title and get close to Yordanka Donkova's WR of 12.21 with her 12.28 clocking. She went on to win gold at the 2012 Olympics. Long Jumper Mitchell Watt has established himself as one of the most consistent jumperson the planet, ending 2011 as world-leader (8.54m) as well as picking up silver in Daegu at the World Champs. While Steve Hooker has not had a great couple of years, he is still the 2nd highest vaulter of all-time with 6.06m.